WILLEMSTAD.- Carol Capriles considers that a serious conversation about Euthanasia shoul be held in Curaçao. “People must have the opportunity to die with dignity.” This is what Capriles said related to the growing number of patients who leave us every day victims of cancer.
The entrepreneur was one of the successful engines behind the Arco Cavent Walk4light that took place last weekend at the Ergilio Hato stadium in Curaçao. A large group of citizens participated in this activity to raise funds and remember cancer victims as well as raise funds for the Arco Cavent Foundation, a place where cancer patients can spend their last days in a peaceful environment.
Churandy Martina lit the flame of this event with a torch accompanied by a large number of children. There were outstanding performances by different local artists. The organization gets partial subsidies only and depends on donations and activities in order to provide the help they generously offer. In this framework, Mr. Capriles highlighted the information about the number of people who go through enormous pain and suffering before dying. Therefore, Capriles, as a citizen, wishes to discuss the topic of Euthanasia and focus on the possibility of giving patients in this terminal phase of illness the right to die with dignity.
Euthanasia is prohibited in our legislation, although it is known that it has been practiced clandestinely for many years on the island. On paper it is said, that no person can make decisions about the life of another person. With Euthanasia, the people themselves or their relatives can ask to end the patient’s life and let him die in a dignified way. Opponents, however, believe that only Almighty God can take a person’s life without outside intervention. Mr. Capriles believes that this point should be taken, as one of important public discussion; “I agree with the introduction of Euthanasia,” says Capriles emphatically.
Minister Susy Camelia is of the opinion that this issue should be open for discussion. For now there are other issues that should be addressed before. After the conclusion of these issues, the treatment of Euthanasia will begin in a public debate, highlighting the right and personal decision of each human being to die with dignity. Personally, the Minister agrees with the discussion of this issue of Euthanasia as she has stated in several statements previously.
In the medical sector there have also been questions about the consideration of continuing or not, spending money on a patient who has no prospects for a dignified life. The pressure falls on the family but also impacts the financial system for the funds that are available right now. As things are going now, next to the discussions regarding same-sex marriage, the issue of Euthanasia will be forthcoming, although the issue of abortion that has not yet been regulated in our legislation is also pending.
